Fund boost for big blue bus
A popular community initiative has received a funding boost, thanks to the Peasedown Party in the Park Grant Fund. The big blue bus is a regular attraction in Peasedown St John providing a safe and stimulating play environment for young children who do not have access to other facilities. Community bus project manager, Anna Marie Perry, said: “After seeing an advert in the local newspaper appealing for applications for the grant fund earlier in the year we decided to apply. “We’re very grateful for the funding from Party in the Park. It has meant that we’ve been able to fund essential equipment for our children’s play sessions in Peasedown St John. “The Community Bus is a mobile facility working throughout Bath and NE Somerset in areas where adults and children feel socially or geographically isolated. “Priority is given to those who whose access to resources is limited due to discrimination, and we aim to encourage a sense of community, and organise safe and stimulating play.” The bus also provides a friendly meeting place for adults to share ideas and concerns. The grant fund was set up in 2010 to support local projects and initiatives that struggle for funding. Over the past eight years, more than £13,000 has been given out to a variety of groups across Peasedown St John. Party in the Park treasurer Joy Fraser said: “When we set up Party in the Park in 2008 we decided we wanted to support the community all year round, not just on one day of the year. “A lot of the proceeds we make after each year’s festival are reinvested back into the local community. As the festival has got bigger, we’ve been able to fund more projects. “We were delighted that The Community Bus applied this year. It’s inspiring to see different innovative ways in which the funding is spent.” The bus runs family sessions in term-times and playschemes for 5 to 12 year olds in the holidays. In 2016/17 they worked with 3,673 people in nine different locations. The bus is based in Beacon Hall car park in Peasedown St John on Monday afternoons, from 1pm – 3pm. Next year’s Grant Fund will open in March 2019. For more details go to www. peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk